Group dynamics

Even amid the clamor of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it's clear why the Italian Saxophone Quartet's musicians have kept it together for 31 years.

Tony Sauro

Even amid the clamor of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it's clear why the Italian Saxophone Quartet's musicians have kept it together for 31 years.

"The thing about getting on for such a long period is, you need a strategy," said Federico Mondelci, who plays soprano saxophone in the chamber music group from Italy's Marche region. "Ultimately, it's how you are related to each other.

"When you enjoy something very much, this is the priority. Always thinking about the group. What the group needs - not an individual - musically."

The musical dynamic is similar, as will be evident Sunday when the quartet performs a 90-minute concert at University of the Pacific's Faye Spanos Concert Hall as part of the Friends of Chamber Music season.

"It's really to put music at the center," said Mondelci, 62, as the group took a day off in New Orleans, the background accompaniment to a phone conversation definitely reaching a Mardi Gras level. "Not just the music, but the color of the music. The phrasing. Everyone has to look in this direction. Not just good technique to do the music.

"It is to express yourself and the thing you have. Why you are on stage. The way you move, the way you breathe, is a function of what you get musically."

"We show different aspects of the saxophone quartet," Mondelci said. "We start with classical, then some regional and also a kind of tango."

Those 13 compositions range from works by Johann Sebastian Bach to Pedro Iterralde, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, Astor Piazzolla and Nino Rota.

The saxophone, in all its permutations, is a big part of New Orleans' musical firmament.

"We enjoy very much going in the little places with so many people who like music," said Mondelci, whose group - which has passed the 500 mark in concert performances - usually makes five trips to the U.S. annually. "This time of year, though, the lines are very long."

He didn't rule out some saxophone spontaneity: "Ah, maybe do a joint session? Maybe."

While saxophone quartets might seem like something of a chamber music oddity here, Mondelci said, "there are a few, even a lot, in Italy. They do regular professional classes in Italy. It's great."

A native of Senigallia, Ancona, Marche, Mondelci and other members of the quartet met as students at Conservatorio Statale di Musico of Rossini in Pesaro on Italy's east coast.

"It's the opposite to Roma and the west," Mondelci said. "It's a very nice region. A very old region. It's very beautiful with high mountains. Any time and everywhere you can find saxophone groups."

His family owned a petrol station. Neither his parents, nor his brother and sister, played music.

"I very much looked to play an instrument," he said. "When the local school showed the saxophone, I knew it should be for me. But you don't really choose. You recognize something. Something in the sound. Something that belongs. The voice."

As students and at the urging of their teachers, "We decided to get some experience as an ensemble," he said. "Together, we started playing and making competitions. Let's say we enjoy spending time together and traveling together. We shared things. Like playing football (soccer)."

While the quartet remains their central focus, they do pursue outside interests.

Gerboni is a professional chef, Mazzoni is artistic director of the Conservatorio of Pergolesi in Ancona and Mondelci holds the same position at Venice's Rossini Theatre. He also does the "activity of a conductor."

Formed in 1982, the quartet has performed globally, winning competitions, advocating for contemporary composers and appearing at major festivals.

They began playing in the U.S. in 2002, and have appeared on concert series from Florida to Alaska.

Curiosity usually transforms into confirmation.

"We find very warm people," Mondelci said of American audiences. "We enjoy very, very much performing in this country. I have to say, every time people don't know what to expect before. After the concert, they all are enthusiastic."